Porsche continues to embrace electrification, but it has drawn a clear line for its upcoming supercar. The company is developing a new mid-engined machine to sit above the 911, and it won't offer a fully electric version. The reason? According to CEO Michael Leiters, “There won't be a BEV on that platform because there is no demand, in this segment, for an EV there.”
That's a pretty blunt assessment from an automaker that has already ventured into all-electric territory with the Taycan, Macan, and Cayenne. Not only that, but the 718 Boxster and Cayman are also set to return next year without combustion engines. However, Porsche apparently sees a difference between selling EVs to a broad audience and convincing supercar buyers to ditch combustion altogether. For this particular project, customer demand takes priority over going fully electric.
The good news for enthusiasts is that Porsche plans to give the new platform plenty of flexibility. The hardware underpinning the Mission S will support internal combustion engines, conventional hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, allowing the company to tailor the powertrain to the car's intended character. However, a purely battery setup isn't part of the plan.
That leaves the door open to everything from a relatively lightweight, combustion-powered sports car to a more complex electrified machine with additional performance on tap. Porsche hasn't revealed the final configuration, but the company clearly wants to preserve the freedom to build its flagship around an engine rather than a large battery pack.
It's an interesting stance at a time when automakers are investing heavily in electric performance.
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